by Suzan Hughes-Kennedy
Have I not told you? Be strong and have strength of heart! Do not be afraid or lose faith. For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go. Joshua 1:9 (New Life Version)
We enjoy our yard birds. Quail, dove, and a sort of sparrow are our regulars. On occasion we have woodpeckers and cardinals, and on very rare occasions, a hummingbird or two. In addition, there are owls and hawks of different varieties that sweep across our place and stay in our pine trees or on the telephone poles just outside the boundaries of our six acres.
The quail usually come in one first and then in a single-file line to the feeder. Others hang back as if to see if it is safe, but there is always one who goes first. My husband says this is the one with courage.
When I was young, I felt safe in the pack. We were respected, and our values were honored. However, in today’s world, Christians are under attack on many fronts.
Depending on where you live, you may find yourself standing alone at school, in the workplace, in our court system, and even in your family. Will you be like the first quail to make it to the feeding ground, or will you hang back waiting for someone else to go first to test the safety of the area?
Take comfort-you are not alone. God himself resides in you. Stand Up! Get Ready! Have Courage!
